Geochemical & Statistical Data Interpretation
Geochemical and statistical data interpretation uses geochemical principles and statistical techniques to examine environmental chemical data reliability, trends, relationships, and environmental significance. This service transcends simply tabulating laboratory results; it emphasizes investigating the underlying causes of concentration variations, the mechanisms that influence contaminant behavior, and the scientific and statistical credibility of the patterns observed.
AA GeoEnvironmental provides third-party review of environmental datasets that help improve risk assessment and ensure technical soundness in situations where findings influence redevelopment decisions or long-term liability management.
Geochemical data interpretation relies on understanding the chemical interactions between contaminants and the subsurface environment, including:
- Redox conditions (oxidizing vs. reducing environments).
- pH buffering and alkalinity.
- Sorption and desorption processes.
- Biogeochemical transformation (e.g., biodegradation).
These principles reveal the reasons for spatial and temporal variations in concentrations, as well as the distinction between actual environmental processes and sampling artifacts in observed trends.
Environmental datasets are often noisy, sparse, censored, or non-normally distributed. Proper statistical interpretation requires:
- Descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Trend analysis (time-series, tests).
- Outlier identification and justification.
- Handling of non-detects and reporting limits.
- Spatial comparison and correlation analysis.
AA GeoEnvironmental applies appropriate statistical methods, steering clear of the improper application of techniques that may lead to false certainty or misleading inferences.
AA GeoEnvironmental begins with a structured review of:
Dataset Review and Validation
- Laboratory analytical data.
- Field sampling records.
- QA/QC reports and qualifiers.
- Historical datasets and trend records.
Geochemical Evaluation
Through the lens of site-specific geological and hydrogeological analysis, AA GeoEnvironmental evaluates:
- Geochemical indicators of contaminant fate and transport.
- Evidence of natural attenuation or transformation.
- Redox zonation and plume evolution.
- Relationships between contaminants and geochemical parameters.
Statistical Analysis and Interpretation
Statistical methods are applied to:
- Identify meaningful trends versus natural variability.
- Compare upgradient vs. downgradient conditions.
- Evaluate plume stability or expansion.
- Distinguish background from site-related impacts.
Numerical & Conceptual Site Models Integration
Geochemical and statistical findings are integrated into:
- Conceptual Site Models (CSMs).
- Groundwater and contaminant transport models.
- Risk assessments and screening evaluations.
- Remedial performance evaluations.
Effective interpretation necessitates the integration of analytical results with geological and hydrogeological conditions, sampling design, plume stability assessment, and the spatio-temporal variability that defines environmental systems.
Environmental decisions often rely on appropriate interpretation. Poorly supported interpretations can lead to unnecessary complexities or long-term liability. AA GeoEnvironmental employs geochemical and statistical data interpretation to ensure that environmental data is contextualized, applied correctly, and communicated effectively.
What this Service Is
- A scientific review and interpretation of geochemical and statistical data.
- Focused on data transparency and clarity.
- Support for defensible technical documentation.
What this Service Is Not
- A laboratory analytical service.
- A substitute for regulatory approval.
- A guarantee of compliance or site closure.
The responsibility for data collection, regulatory compliance, and implementation decision-making lies with the clients.